Assuming I already have some basic web development experience with Java (JSP/Servlets), I'm already familiar with web design (HTML, CSS, JS), basic programming concepts and that I am completely new to Python, how do I go about learning Python in a structured manner that will eventually lead me to web development with Python and Django?

I'm not in a hurry to make web applications in Python so I really want to learn it thoroughly so as not to leave any gaps in my knowledge of the technologies involving web development in Python. Are there any books, resource or techniques to help me in my endeavor? In what order should I do/read them?

UPDATE:

When I say learning in a structured manner, I mean starting out from the basics then learning the advanced stuff without leaving some of the important details/features that Python has to offer. I want to know how to apply the things that I already know in programming to Python.

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6

+1 for not in a hurry. This is the best way to learn a language, try things out but do not dive into a production project to learn a language.
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ChrisOct 19 '10 at 15:12

Great list! I've heard Dive Into Python is great for experienced programmers to start out on Python.
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Terence PonceOct 15 '10 at 12:27

Working through Dive into Python currently, it's fast paced and a fantastic resource for existing programmers who want to learn the language! I suggest working chp 2 & 3 to see how it goes, that will orient you very well with the syntax and data types :)
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invertOct 15 '10 at 14:16

@Terence: I can agree considering this is exactly what I just did. Came from a CSE undergrad using java, c, php (at work) and various other languages, this book brought me right up to speed.
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ChrisDec 3 '10 at 18:57

You first learn python programming language. Then when you feel comfortable with it, learn libraries like Django. Setting up an using an application at Google App Engine would further help in development.

Web development always comes back to one thing: and that is the browser. Learn HTML, CSS and JavaScript very well, and it will serve you though any language change.

Www.w3schools.com is a great place to learn these things, but when it comes to CSS, its often very useful to just sit down and play with it. Find a cool web design and implement it in HTML by hand. This is a very, very neccecary skill if any of your server side code results in HTML.

Next, I like your logical approach, but it might not be the best way to go about it. A more rewarding approach may be to establish a goal that you want to accomplish, and learn on the way.

Starting with django may not be the best idea, however. Many of the decisions that they made when designing the framework would only make sense if you'd experienced the problems that they solve first hand. My first web language was php, and the most effective way I understood best practices was to write crappy, brittle code, realizing that there was a problem, and resarching solutions. If I was to research a solution before I understood the problem, I wasn't able to apply it effectivly.

If you're willing to take your time on this, perhaps starting with a less abstract technology set such as php may be a great learning experience.

I think you missed what I said about me already having experience in web development and being familiar with the basic programming concepts. I already knew HTML, CSS and Javascript before moving on to JSP/Servlets. About the approach (that I wanted) to learning Python, I just want to know how to apply what I already know in programming without missing out on some of the details/features that Python has to offer.
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Terence PonceOct 15 '10 at 9:15

Perhaps you should clarify your post, as you say that you have basic web development experience.... CSS, HTML and JavaScript can be very complex and powerful. I was simply trying to put an emphasis on how important they are to invest in for any web development.
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nlaqOct 15 '10 at 9:20

You should definitely not copy-paste the exercices because it will not help you learn at all. From the first chapter of the book : You must type each of these exercises in, manually. If you copy and paste, you might as well just not even do them. The point of these exercises is to train your hands, your brain, and your mind in how to read, write, and see code. If you copy-paste, you are cheating yourself out of the effectiveness of the lessons.
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marco-fisetApr 2 '13 at 14:13

1

Thanks Marco. I have also adjusted the answer to reflect that point.
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Alex CApr 2 '13 at 14:21

If Web development in python is what you are looking for, then after a thorough understanding of python , I suggest that you have a look at Flask. Django and other full stack frameworks would definitely make your life much much easier but overall would leave you with an incomplete feeling as if you have not learnt much. Flask IMHO , is the most awesome framework in python as of now, but yes that is just my opinion.